One of my many goals this winter break was to get my math manipulatives organized. I want to use the differentiation cards through Math Expressions for early finisher work, but each lesson has 3 different cards and the materials piece was a nightmare to try to have ready. I had all the 'stuff' (well, almost everything) I just didn't have them accessible for my students.
In comes Mama Lynch with a request: A Christmas Idea for my classroom; she wants to give my sister and me a little somethin' somethin' to our classrooms each year (how sweet is she?!?) First, I asked for those super cool pencil sharpeners I've been seeing on Pinterest (I got 2 from her- they are AH-MA-ZING!) Then I remembered my manipulative dilemma. I had a vision of using those clear, smaller drawers, but they can actually add up pretty quickly. I asked her for a couple of them to at least get me started. As I unwrap my presents, one of them was a set of clear drawers with a post it note saying that she didn't want to wrap them all. She got me 5!! That means enough for 15 different maniuplatives and supplies (or even more, since I am doubling up on some of them). It might be a bit pathetic with how excited I get over organizing things, especially for my classroom. Anywho, let me reveal to you my new math resource station!
I decided to use one of the sets of drawers for some word work things, so I had to rework my vision a bit, but I am so excited to lead the kiddos in a guided discovery when we get back from break! I still have the decks of cards in a separate tub, as well as the dice.
Rulers, Fraction Tools, Number Cards |
Various Paper: Dot, 10x10 Grid, Index Cards, Inch and Centimeter Paper. This is also where I will keep the activity cards they can work on. |
Pattern Blocks, Connecting Cubes, Counters, and Spinners |
Clocks, Place Value Markers (no label yet) Play Money, 3D shapes |
I also have the challenge problem located on top of the drawers. This will be an option for students to try to complete. Since we are already in Unit 7, I didn't go back and look at what materials they would need for the cards. However, I am sure that most of them are here. I'll add next year if need be. With that said, I will have everything they need for every card, for ever lesson, for the rest of the year.
Smart Pals |
To try to save some paper, we'll be using the Smart Pals (posted here). Students can slip in the paper they need (dot paper, grid paper, etc.) and use dry erase markers. That way, I don't have to worry about making a ton of copies and running out. I only have 19 Smart Pals though, so some sharing might need to take place if they all need it, but I don't see that happening very often. I'll also keep up our math center games as occasional options; but I do love the idea that they will be extending their understanding on the topics we are learning that day. The math centers will be great for review every once and awhile on topics like place value and multi-digit subtraction.
File folders with Duct Tape and magnets to house some of our math centers! |
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